Monday, September 29, 2008

2008 Offshore Super Series National Championships Wrap Up


Party Cove moved from Anderson Hollow Cove to The Horny Toad this past weekend. Not really, but that is how it appeared from Atlantis Island Condos as the flotilla of boats paraded past as they headed to the “place to be” September 28th for the Offshore Super Series National Championships. The lake was humming with the collection of Mercury outboards and the excitement of the crowd. The word of the day was “horsepower” and approximately 10,000 spectators got to see just that as Miss Geico officially sewed up her National Championship in the Offshore Super Series Turbine Extreme class for 2008. Miss Geico averaged 122.80 miles per hour, under clear skies and summer like temperatures, beating JBS Racing by 15 seconds.


Miss Geico takes the checkered flag
Miss Geico takes the checkered flag at the OSS National Championships, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Under Destruction capped off a stellar rookie year by capturing the checkered flag at the Lake of the Ozarks. This husband/wife team (Mark Dunbar/Driver and Jenni Dunbar/Throttleman) from Highlandville, Missouri are local favorites at The Lake of the Ozarks. The team quickly became a force to be reckoned with during the second race of the OSS season with a first place finish in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. They racked up two fourth place finishes in Biloxi, Mississippi and Kinner, Louisiana. Under Destruction stayed in reach of the number one spot in the standings with two third place finishes in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama. Wild Ride takes the 2008 National Championship in the Vee Lite class by only one point.

Under Destruction is Offshore Super Series 2008 National Champions in the Vee Lite Class
Under Destruction missed the Offshore Super Series 2008 National Champions in the Vee Lite Class by just one point to Wild Ride.

The big winner of the weekend was The Lake of the Ozarks itself. This was the second year that the National Championships have been held here and the successful weekend cemented the areas status as a powerboat haven.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Who won the OSS Races at the Lake of The Ozarks?

Official Results-Offshore Super Series National Championships

Offshore Super Series Logo

OSS 750

1st: Talking Trash (#30) Jimmy Winters/Vinny Rifice

OSSC850

1st: Fury (#88) Guy Costa/Ray Delaney
2nd: D&M Motorsports (#33) Brian Haupt/Dennis Hillhouse
3rd: WHM Motorsports (#5) Billy Mauff/Jay Muller
4th: Shocker (#123) Richie Prince/Bob Bull
5th: Ronripple.com (#1) Steve Page/Joey Gratton
6th: Team CRC (#7) Mike DeFrees/Jeff Harris



AMSOIL RACING #77
Team AMSOIL averaged 88.27 mph

OSSCL

1st: AMSOIL (#77) Paul Whittier/Bob Teague
2nd: Peppers (#2) George Stancombe/Mike Stancombe
3rd: Teampropstop.net (#388) Raymond Contreras/Alvin Heathman
4th: Popeye’s Famous Chicken (#13) Will Ros/Stan Ware



Fluid Sealing Products #111
Team Fluid Sealing Products averaged 92.80 mph


OSSCO

1st: Fluid Sealing Products (#111) Allen Campbell/Ryan Beckley

OSSCX

1st: Team CRC (#007) Mike DeFrees/Jeff Harris
2nd: Bud Light (#11) Mike Seebold/John Tomlinson
3rd: Bad Moon Risin (#100) Jeff Tillman/Bob Morgan


Miss Geico #113
Miss Geico averaged 122.80 mph


OSSTX

1st: Miss Geico (#113) Marc Granet/Scott Begovich
2nd: JBS (#121) Jeff Stephenson/Joe Sirocki

OSSV

1st: Miccosukee Indian Gaming (#30) Brett Furshman/Billy Glueck


Under Destruction #104
Team Under Destruction averaged 83.57 mph

OSSVL

1st: Under Destruction (#104) Mark Dunbar/Jenni Seeser-Dunbar
2nd: Typhoon (#29) Jim Natolie/Randy Schleuss
3rd: Wild Ride (#51) John Kostelac/Larry Kostelac
4th: IMCO Quality Marine Products/Lucas Oil (#10) Jimmy Spiros/George Auriemma
5th: Worthy Risk (#28) Brad Johnson/Scoti Childs
6th: Octane (#411) Eddie Zaldokes/Scott Cornell
7th: Adrenaline Rush (#55) Doug Grimaldi/Dave Powell

Pictures of Offshore Super Series National Championships(OSS Races)

These pictures were taken in the turn 5 area, just down the main channel from Atlantis Island Condos, September 28, 2008 during the OSS National Championships. This was the second year that The Horny Toad complex has hosted this annual race.

Miccosukee and Under Destruction head into turn 6
Miccosukee and Under Destruction head into turn 6



Racing action at the OSS National Championships, Lake of the Ozarks
Racing action at the OSS National Championships, Lake of the Ozarks



Under Destruction going into turn 6
Under Destruction going into turn 6



Adrenaline Rush (#55) & Typhoon (#29) between turns 5 & 6
Adrenaline Rush (#55) & Typhoon (#29) between turns 5 & 6



Wild Ride with chase helicopter capturing the action from above
Wild Ride with chase helicopter capturing the action from above



Wild Ride during the OSS National Championships at Lake of the Ozarks
Wild Ride, the cross in the left of the picture is at Cross Pointe Camp and Retreat Center



IMCO Quality Marine Products
IMCO Quality Marine Products leads Worthy Risk to the turn



Under Destruction
Under Destruction



Typhoon
Typhoon



Wild Ride
Wid Ride



Miccosukee
Miccosukee

Friday, September 26, 2008

What can I fish for at The Lake of the Ozarks?


As Featured On Ezine Articles


Two fisherman casting their lines near Atlantis Island Condos, Lake of the Ozarks Fishing near Atlantis Island


The Lake Of The Ozarks is a year round destination for professional and recreational anglers. Several annual tournaments are held in the bass rich waters, including the Big Bass Bash, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, and the Stren Bass Series. The plentiful bass include Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Kentucky (Spotted) Bass, Rock (Goggle Eye) Bass, and White Bass.
Crappie fishing also draws a large crowd to the lake. Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters Tournament usually makes at least one stop on its tour. The crappie normally do not spawn until the Dogwoods bloom, but the hardcore angler knows to look for them near heated fishing docks in the cooler months beginning in October and lasting through March.


Black Crappie Illustration

Black Crappie


Catfish, both Channel and Flathead, offer a different challenge for both seasoned and amateur anglers.



Channel Catfish IllustrationChannel Catfish

Bluegill can be found all over the lake, especially near docks. Bluegill and perch fishing are fun for all ages but are especially exciting for younger anglers who are just learning to enjoy the sport.


Bluegill Illustration

Bluegill

The paddlefish is Missouri’s official aquatic animal and is also known as a spoonbill. Paddlefish are one of the oldest fish known to man. Fossil records show that they first appeared 300 to 400 million years ago, before the first dinosaurs. It is caught by blind snagging. Paddlefish season is March 15 to April 30.

Missouri's Official Aqautic Animal, the Paddlefish or Spoonbill

Paddlefish a/k/a Spoonbill


Seven of Missouri’s State Record Fish have been caught at the Lake of the Ozarks.
These trophy fish include:
  • 41 lbs 2 oz Muskellunge, caught by Gene Snelling of Camdenton, MO, March 9th, 1981, using pole and line.
  • 53 lbs 0 oz Bigmouth Buffalo, caught by Dennis Shafer of Stover, MO, April 6th, 1996, using the snagging method.



  • Bigmouth Buffalo Illustration
    Bigmouth Buffalo

  • 36 lbs 12 oz Smallmouth Buffalo, caught by Allen Schweiss of Bloomington, IL, June 10th, 1986, using pole and line.
  • 40 lbs 8 oz Freshwater Drum, caught by Ronald Wagner of Waterloo, IA, July 16th, 1980, using pole and line.
  • 80 lbs 0 oz Bighead Carp, caught by Kyle Schneider of Ballwin, MO, October 9th, 2004, using pole and line.
  • 80 lbs 0 oz Bighead Carp, caught by Keith Lowry of Paola, KS, September 11th, 2004, using a jugline.


  • Bighead Carp Illustration

    Bighead Carp


  • 39 lbs 8 oz Striped Bass, caught by Jason Kirk of Camdenton, MO, October 11th, 2002, using the jug fishing method.




  • Striped Bass Illustration

    Striped Bass


    Two of the state record fish were caught during October. This time of year is not just great for fishing, it is also great for fishing for the “Big One”!
    October is host to at least three fishing tournaments. The 23rd Annual Missouri State Buddy Bass Championship is held October 18th and 19th at Deer Valley Park in Sunrise Beach. The 18th Annual White Bass Tournament is a one day event held October 25th at the Gravois Mills Public Access. October 25th also kicks off the 14th Annual Fall Classic Buddy Bass Tournament. This two day event is sponsored by Alhonna Resort in Lake Ozark, less than 5 miles from
    Atlantis Island Condos.







    Thursday, September 25, 2008

    An Insider's Look at Zeus 503

    Zeus was the first completed building on Atlantis Island at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. By land, Atlantis Island is located at the end of W-12. The physical address of Zeus is 60 Knox Road, Rocky Mount, MO. Named after the Greek King of the Gods, Zeus was also known as the god of thunder and sky. The moniker fits to a “T” as Zeus is sometimes considered the cornerstone of the Atlantis Island Condos development and also offers owners both stunning cove and main channel views from each unit. This building is adjacent to the pool and piazza, both popular gathering spots for owners and their guests.

    Only a few units are still available in this building and Zeus 503 is definitely a gem! This unit is a top floor unit with dramatic cathedral ceilings in the family room and master suite bedroom. This unit is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath and is upgraded with 13” ceramic Tempietto White (hues of pale grey) in the entry way, kitchen, dining area, main bath, and master suite bath. The open floor plan maximizes the views of the Lake of the Ozarks. The unit has 1,318 square feet of living space, accompanied by a 14’9” x 11’6” covered terrace. Spend a lazy day on your terrace, with the ceiling fan whirring gently overhead, a pitcher of lemonade at hand, watching boats of all shapes and sizes glide by. The terrace is the perfect spot for reflecting and reconnecting as the surrounding Ozark Mountains envelop you in their beauty and charm as you watch fisherman cast their line near the dock and shoreline. To the left you can see further back into the cove, across the cove you can watch the docked sailboat bob in the water, and to the right is the sought after main channel view.


    Looking back into the cove from Zeus 503
    Picture yourself on your terrace, boat/people watching, with a glass of lemonade
    The coveted main channel view of Zeus 503
    The kitchen features a large breakfast bar, upgraded custom wood cabinets, a smooth top range, above range built in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and side by side refrigerator with built in ice maker and ice/water delivery in the door. The appliances are upgraded black which lends a nice contrast to the room. The counters/breakfast bar is Blackstone etchings Formica. Above the breakfast bar is a eye catching cobalt blue light fixture. This fixture pulls the colors of the unit together and draws your eye to the pale steel blue accent wall in the great room.


    Zeus 503 kitchen
    The cobalt blue light fixture above the breakfast bar

    The 17’6”x17’4” great room has a cathedral ceiling and has standard carpet that is a light oatmeal color. The focal points are the electric fireplace and the 12’ panoramic insulated glass doors that lead to your terrace. The space above the fireplace is pre-wired for your plasma television. The great room of Zeus 503 has been upgraded with a ceiling fan with a walnut look and palm frond blades.



    From the dining area towards the great room in Zeus 503.  Note the cathedral ceiling and striking accent wall


    The 16’x14’ master suite was designed with the Lake in mind. Two windows invite the view inside and when they are open you can hear the lake lapping at the seawall below. The master bedroom also features a cathedral ceiling. The suite includes a walk in master closet in the bath area. The master bath retreat includes a double vanity with cultured marble, beveled mirrors, and features an extra large shower with a ceramic tile bench seat. The light fixtures are brushed nickel.



    Master suite with cathederal ceiling and view of the Lake of the Ozarks
    Zeus 503 Master Suite Bath

    The unit also includes two 10’x10’ bedrooms that are situated off of each side of the main entry. Each bedroom includes the standard carpet that is in the great room and has a window and a nice sized closet with sliding doors. Either of these rooms can be easily converted into a home office.

    Priced at just $195,000 (including a 32’x12’ boat slip, for a limited time) Zeus 503 is a investment that will delight you and your family for a lifetime!

    View of Zeus 503 from the terrace








    Wednesday, September 24, 2008

    What does Venus 305 look like inside?

    Venus is the second completed building on Atlantis Island, near Jackson Branch Cove (3.5 mile marker) of the Lake of the Ozarks. Named after the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Venus features commanding main channel views and is adjacent to the pool and piazza.

    A bass boat skims past Venus 305 at Atlantis Island

    Unit 305 is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit on the parking level with 9‘ ceilings. The open floor plan maximizes the views of the Lake of the Ozarks. The unit has 1,318 square feet of living space, accompanied by a 14’9” x 11’6” covered terrace. From your terrace, you can look to the east and see the two steel gatehouses of the historic Bagnell Dam. During the afternoon you can watch the paddlewheeler, Tom Sawyer, cruise the lake as it makes it’s excursion around Atlantis Island. The covered terrace overlooks the boat dock and is the perfect setting for a family style barbecue or an intimate dinner for two as the sun dips below the horizon.

    The view from Venus 305 looking east, towards Bagnell Dam
    The unit is upgraded with Molina Noce (a light sandy brown) 12” ceramic tile in the entryway, kitchen, dining area, main bath, and master suite bath. The kitchen features a large breakfast bar, upgraded custom wood cabinets, a smooth top range, above range built in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and side by side refrigerator with built in ice maker and ice/water delivery in the door. The appliances are black which lends a nice contrast to the room. The counters/breakfast bar is butter rum Formica. Above the breakfast bar is a striking gold/black/brown, almost tortoise shell, light fixture. This fixture sets the tone for a variety of decorating options to customize the unit to your tastes and style.

    The kitchen in Venus 305.  Notice the light fixture above the breakfast bar
    Venus 305, from the kitchen towards the family room, and the Lake beyond

    The 17’6”x17’4” family room has standard carpet that is maple syrup oatmeal in color and the focal points are the electric fireplace and the 12’ panoramic insulated glass doors that lead to your terrace. The space above the fireplace is pre-wired for your plasma television. The light fixture is brushed nickel, as are the other light fixtures in the other living spaces.


    Venus 305 family room with a view of The Lake of the Ozarks

    The 16’x14’ master suite was designed with the Lake in mind. Two windows invite the view inside and when they are open you can hear the lake lapping at the seawall below. The suite includes a walk in master closet in the bath area. The master bath retreat includes a double vanity with cultured marble and features an extra large shower with a ceramic tile bench seat.



    The master suite bedroom of Venus 305
    Venus 305 Master Bath


    The unit also includes two 10’x10’ bedrooms that are situated off of each side of the main entry. Each bedroom includes the standard carpet that is in the family room and has a window and a nice sized closet with sliding doors. Either of these rooms can be easily converted into a home office.

    Priced at just $185,000 (including a 32’x12’ boat slip, for a limited time) Venus 305 is a dream that can become your reality!





    The Lake of the Ozarks as seen from Venus 305, Atlantis Island Condos







    Tuesday, September 23, 2008

    What does the new tug at Atlantis Island look like?

    More pictures of the new tugboat at Atlantis Island Condos!

    Hercules, the new tug at Atlantis Island Condos
    Hercules, tied up at the Atlantis Island Condos docks.

    Hercules will be paired up with the new barge to create the new ferry at Atlantis Island
    The stern of Hercules.
    .

    Hercules
    Another stern shot of Hercules, tied up at Atlantis Island Condos docks.



    Hercules
    A great picture of Hercules' starboard side.




    Hercules
    The bow of Hercules.





    Hercules on a picture perfect day at The Lake of the Ozarks
    Another close up picture of the bow of Hercules. What a picture perfect day at Atlantis Island in the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks!





    Monday, September 22, 2008

    Fall Foliage at The Lake of The Ozarks


    The Lake Of The Ozarks is abuzz this week with the OSS National Championships being held this weekend. A few of the boats have been sighted practicing near the waters surrounding Tan-Tar-A Resort and the excitement is almost at a fever pitch. For power boaters, this is Christmas in September and the staff at Atlantis Island Condos are like kids in a candy store!



    Another significant event is also taking place this week, although it is being overshadowed by the boat races. Today is the first day of Autumn and people who call the Lake “home” can attest that The Lake Of The Ozarks puts on a world class showing with the colorful leaf displays. The variety of trees lends to the rainbow of colors. Blackgum, Sweet Gum, Hickory, Sassafrass, Maple, Sycamore, Flowering Dogwoods, and Oak are paintbrushes in the autumn palate. Shermanstravel.com has picked the area as a “Top 10 Fall Foliage Destination” and you would be hard pressed to find a leaf peeper who would disagree.



    Flowering Dogwood In Fall
    Hickory tree during Fall
    Maple in Fall

    I spoke with KY3’s Morning/Noon Meteorologist, Brandon Beck, via email, last week to get his thoughts on the “state of the leaves” for 2008:

    Brandon Beck
    Atlantis Island Condos: We have had a rainy summer. What impact will this have on the leaves during Fall?
    Brandon Beck: According to Francis Skalicky from the MO Department of Conservation, the rain we’ve had doesn’t automatically equate to a lot of color. The trees are very healthy because of the moisture, and they’ve got more leaves than they’ve had the last couple of years. But, the COLOR comes from the warm days and cool nights from now through the middle of October.
    AIC: How long do you project the Fall foliage "season" to last this year?

    BB: Typically the peak of the color lasts a couple weeks.
    AIC: When do you think will be the peak "viewing" of the color splashes?
    BB: The only thing to go by is the average over the years, which is about the third week of October.


    Autumn At Atlantis Island Condos


    Island Hopper I During Fall


    Island Hopper I during Fall

    So mark your calendars and make a date with Mother Nature the third week of October to enjoy the brilliant, fiery colors!



    Thursday, September 18, 2008

    Bells & Whistles!

    Atlantis Island Condos developer, Kernene Shickler, had an on air conversation with KRMS 1150 AM radio personality KB this morning. They discussed how visitors to the project were enthusiastic about the development and addressed hurdles to overcome the soft real estate market.

    Kernene commented that Atlantis Island Condos definitely believes in the “think outside the box” philosophy when it comes to attracting prospective buyers to the project and feedback from visitors is not just heard, but acted upon.
    Visitor feedback, including questions about granite in the kitchen and dual shower heads for the huge master shower, resulted in a sit down discussion with decorator Tracy Kelly. As a result of that conversation, Atlantis Island Condos is proud to announce its new “Decorator Package” to dress up our beautiful units.
    This custom designed package is only $15,000 and can be added to any unfinished “white box” unit. For instance, a 2nd floor unit (Venus 202, with panoramic main channel views) is priced at $179,900 and includes a 32x12 dock slip (a $22,400 value) would break down like this:


    Base Price: $179,900
    Decorator Package: $15,000
    Complete Price: $194,900 including boat dock, granite counters, and all the bells and whistles!

    *to see complete details of the package features please email
    sales@atlantisislandcondos.com

    Your unit will be ready in approximately 30 days for closing after you have made your color selections. Tracy Kelly will meet with you once to help coordinate your personalized color scheme.

    Did I mention that this brings your unit in at less than $200,000? Wow!

    Donald Trump has mentioned that “this is the absolute time to buy” and Atlantis Island Condos has definitely sweetened the pot for buyers!




    A representation of a kitchen upgraded with the Atlantis Island Decorator Package
    Note the large tile on the diagonal and stainless appliances

    There's A New Kid In Town!

    A sneak peek of the newest addition at Atlantis Island Condos. The new tug, Hercules arrived at the island late yesterday evening!

    Hercules, the new tug at Atlantis Island Condos
    The new tug, Hercules makes it's first appearance at Atlantis Island

    Tuesday, September 16, 2008

    Guardian of freedom and justice


    As Featured On Ezine Articles

    A-10 Thunderbolt II in flight
    The main attraction at The Lake of The Ozarks, of course, is the Lake itself. We spend so much time swimming, fishing, skiing, and just enjoying the wind in our hair as we skim across the water, that most of the time we simply forget to look up. Then there are those times when you have to look up, when you hear a thunderbolt on a perfectly clear day. Not a literal thunderbolt, but an A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed Warthogs. The A-10’s that we see flying overhead in the “Land Of The Magic Dragon” are part of the 442d Fighter Wing based at Whiteman Air Force Base. Whiteman Air Force Base is 65 miles southeast of Kansas City, just off US Highway 50 near Knob Noster. During missions the Warthog's objective is to provide close air support by attacking tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets. Seeing them fly overhead you can’t help but feel their power with a surge of patriotism and pride.

    Many veterans, retired military, and former service members call The Lake of The Ozarks home or their home away from home. The proximity to services at both Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood make this area a natural choice for retired military members.

    Whiteman Air Force Base
    Whiteman Air Force Base provides a Commissary and a Base Exchange. Shoppers must show appropriate ID cards when making purchases at both facilities. The Commissary is a modern supermarket that offers a complete line of meat, produce, grocery, bakery, and deli items. The Commissary is open 6 days a week. The Base Exchange Main Store is located next to the Commissary and is open 7 days a week. The Base Exchange Main Store also offers Anthony's Pizza, Frank's Franks, Burger King, Robin Hood Deli, a coffee shop, flower, barber and beauty shops, a laundry/dry cleaner and a cellular phone retailer.



    Fort Leonard WoodFort Leonard Wood is located just off Interstate 44 near the towns of Waynesville and Saint Robert. The Main Exchange Mall is open daily and has a food court and offers a variety of concessions including barber and beauty shop, shoe shine, flower shop, optical shop, among others. The Commissary is also open 7 days a week and offers a complete line of grocery products, including Rotisserie Chicken and Sushi. General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital has 450,000 square feet of clinic and ward space and offers a full range of medical services to active military personnel, military retirees and family members enrolled in TRICARE Prime. Non-prime patients are seen as space allows. The Army Morale, Welfare, & Recreation department operates Lake Of The Ozarks Recreation Area (LORA) in Linn Creek. LORA Welcomes Active Duty, Retired Military, Members of the National Guard and Reserves, DOD Employees with ID cards, Family Members and Fort Leonard Wood Contract Employees.


    United States of America FlagAtlantis Island Condos salutes all who have and are currently serving our great nation and are pleased that two top notch installations are nearby to serve you!

    Wednesday, September 10, 2008

    Trump Talks About Atlantis Island!

    Donald J. Trump
    Ok, Mr Trump didn't specifically talk about Atlantis Island Condos while on the Good Morning America show a few weeks ago, but his statement about buying in a thriving economic location definitely describes The Lake Of The Ozarks area and Atlantis Island. The following is an article that was written right after The Don appeared on the ABC morning news show.


    Donald Trump appeared in an interview segment with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America Tuesday morning. Love him, or hate him, he does know his stuff when it comes to real estate. He didn’t mince words when describing the soft market and the opportunities for buyers.
    "If you want to buy a house there's probably never been a better time," the real estate mogul said. "It's a tough market. It's a horrible market," he said. But "this is the absolute time to buy.”
    According to Trump, the golden real estate rule of location, location, location still applies, which is why he suggested some consumers may want to consider moving to a city with a booming real estate market.
    "You're just going to be better off," Trump said.
    The Lake of the Ozarks is that type of vibrant market. In an article written by Nancy Hogland of the Lake of the Ozarks Business Journal the bleak housing picture that is portrayed by the national media does not represent what is taking place at Lake Of The Ozarks.
    Some figures provided by Jeff Krantz of Remax show:
    >Some 5,815 condominium, town home and villa units, representing developer investments
    of $1.1 billion, are on the drawing board. In 2007, multi-family dwellings accounted for 30 percent
    of all residential sales.
    >Several more projects are in the works for “affordable family homes,” which, with an average
    sale price of $146,237, comprise 19 percent of all home sales.
    >Continued construction of residential “mid-level homes,” is expected. These single-family
    homes and maintenance-free town homes and villas both off and on the water are priced on
    average at $452,682 and currently represent 60 percent of all home sales.
    >Luxury homes, with an average price of $1,770,433, comprise 18 percent of all residential sales.
    With lakefront property at a premium, luxury home prices are expected to continue to rise at a
    rapid rate.

    Frank Christensen commented “Lake of the Ozarks has all the components necessary to handle the growth – infrastructure, commercial, full-time residential, a second-home market, an excellent healthcare
    and school system. The Lake is growing in whole – not in part,”
    John Garrett said that investing in Lake-area real estate was still a safe bet, using statistics to prove his point. He compared the outcome of investing $200,000 five years ago both in the stock market and in
    Lake of the Ozarks real estate, using the average for all property types. “The Dow Jones Industrial
    Average closing numbers for the last five years had an annualized percentage of increase of 8.9 percent per year on average. The S and P 500 had an annual increase of 9.28 percent during the same time period. Lake of the Ozarks real estate as a whole went up 13.2 percent during that same period,” he
    said, adding that the $200,000 investment in the stock market would have risen to $306,316 if invested at 8.9 percent and $311,698 at 9.28 percent. “However, that same investment in real estate would have resulted in a return of $371,760 – and if you had used it to buy a lakefront lot, it would have been even higher.” Garret said money invested in Lake real estate 10 years ago earned an even greater return.
    “In 1997 you could buy a condo for $92,683. Today that same unit would run you $199,322. I’m not sugar-coating this,” he said adamantly. “The numbers show our market is strong.”
    In 2003, the average condo price per square foot was $93; in 2007 it was
    $127; in 2008 it rose to $145.
    The average condo, town home and villa price was $185,360 in 2006. It rose to $199,177 in 2007.

    Christensen drove the point home by asking how many people wished they had purchased more property 10 years ago. Nearly every hand was raised. “Well, now that you know what to expect, it’s the time
    to buy! Don’t wait another 10 years to invest in our area,” he said.

    The owners at Atlantis Island Condos have seen the value in investing in the most unique real estate property in the Lake of the Ozarks area during this soft market.
    Whether you are looking for a second home, vacation property, your retirement dream, an island getaway, a weekend retreat, or an investment property, Atlantis Island Condos is like nothing else!

    Friday, September 5, 2008

    The Fastest Boats in the World!

    I touched on the Offshore Super Series races in a previous entry. This truly is an one of a kind event that is being held in our own backyard! This is the next to the last event in this years circuit and the overall point leaders in each class take home the coveted National Championship title. Boats will compete in 9 different classes. Scheduled to compete are:

    Cat Extreme / Turbine Class (can exceed 200+ mph, basically have jet engines, lengths are 44 to 50 feet)
  • #113-Miss Geico
  • #121-JBS Racing


    Miss Geico


    Cat Extreme Class (piston-powered class, unlimited horsepower)
  • #7 Team CRC
  • #11 Bud Light Racing
  • #100 Bad Moon Rising
  • #21 Cintron


    Cat 850 Class
  • #5 WHM
  • #33 D & M
  • #US-1 Celerity Investments
  • #123 Shocker


    Cat 850 Supercharged Class (850 horsepower Mercury powered, lengths are 37-42 feet, minimum weight of 10,000 pounds)
  • #88 Fury
  • #7 Team CRC

    Cat 750 Class (750 horsepower, 9,500 pound minimum, length of 38-40 feet)
  • #130 Talk ‘N Trash
  • #99 Renegade
  • #57 PersuCat


    Cat Lite Class (stock class for Mercury, 35-38 feet in length, no modifications)
  • #2 Peppers
  • #00 Motley Crew
  • #46 Learning The Ropes
  • #388 PropStop
  • #77 AMSOIL
  • #40 Reliable Carriers/Fountain Racing
  • #13 Popeyes

    Cat Outboard Class
  • #18 Berry Cuda
  • #111 CarCredit411.com
  • #19 TnT Custom Marine/AMF
  • #516 Miccosukee


    Vee Class (4,000 ponds, 30 feet long)
  • #41 Plantation Boat Mart/Predator
  • #30 Miccosukee



    Vee Lite Class (approximately 30 feet in length, single 525)
  • #10 IMCO Quality Marine Products
  • #29 Typhoon
  • #104 Under Destruction
  • #51 Wild Ride
  • #4 Popeyes/Wild Card
  • #66 Simply Awesome
  • #55 Adrenaline Rush
  • #28 Worthy Risk


    Events with the races are being held throughout the weekend and testing/qualifying starts at 11 am Saturday. The racing begins Sunday at 11 am with Winner’s Circle Awards Ceremony being held at 7 pm that evening.
    Expect to see local talent in this premiere showcase. The Bud Light Racing Team, in the Cat Extreme Class, has deep roots at The Lake of the Ozarks. Dave Scott, the driver, has an impressive list of world and national titles, including several Top Gun titles that he earned at the Lake Shootout. Also in the Cat Extreme Class, The Bad Moon Rising is named for the local marina that throttleman Bob Morgan owns.


    Bad Moon Rising



    Powerboat racing isn’t just for the guys either. At least two teams, Learning The Ropes and Under Destruction, have the ladies behind the wheel in husband / wife teams. Learning The Ropes, in the Cat Lite Class is “manned” by Wilma and Brian Ross of Oakville, Ontario. Leading the lady hometown heroes is Jenni Dunbar of Under Destruction. Based in Highlandville, MO, Jenni and her husband/throttleman, Mark, are in the their rookie year but giving the Vee Lite Class competitors a run for their money. Headed into the National Championships in third place overall, this team could walk away with it all!


    Jenni Dunbar - Under Destruction



    Atlantis Island Condos invites you to enjoy this, and other numerous activities and events at The Lake Of The Ozarks from your very own slice of island living in the Midwest!


  • Atlantis Island Condos staff offers our deepest condolences to the families of the Aero Express crew.

    Tuesday, September 2, 2008

    The '08 season is over?

    A big misconception about the Lake of the Ozarks region is that the surrounding towns lock up the day after Labor Day and hibernate until Memorial Day of the next “season”. Quite the opposite, The Lake offers activities, festivals, fishing, shopping, and food throughout the year.

    The weekend after Labor Day starts off with the Midwest’s biggest in-water boat show at Toad Cove, located at the 7 mile marker. This event is in its 4th year.

    For those who prefer cars over boats, this weekend also provides the Westlake Street Machine Fall Follies at the Laurie Fairgrounds. The Lake Of The Ozarks Bike Fest 2008 will be held Sept 11th-14th. Bike Fest weekend spans the Lake region with live entertainment at several venues and 3 Vendor Villages in Lake Ozark, Kaiser, and Osage Beach.

    Step back in time the third weekend in September at the 21st Annual Osage Mountain Man Rendezvous held at the American Legion Campground in Lake Ozark. This living history event features 1840’s re-enactments with black powder shoots, tomahawk / knife throwing contests, fire starting competitions, artisans, storytellers, and gunsmiths. Trader’s Row offers a chance to shop for unique and authentic gifts. September closes out with a bang as two events bookend the last weekend with a tribute to our roots, and an adrenaline junkie’s “need for speed” fix. Oma and Noma Days is a perfect nod to our past. Oma and Noma Degraffenreid were sisters who were the first to drive across the Bagnell Dam on May 30th, 1931. A third sister, Elda, went along for the historic journey. Oma and Noma Days celebrates their trip with local musicians, craft artisans, country dancing, Little Mr. / Miss Oma & Noma Days contest, historical exhibits, a 5k run, a vintage car show and a parade like dam crossing. Another nostalgic event is an old fashioned frog jumping contest.

    I imagine that the Degraffenreid sisters would have been thoroughly impressed with the thundering displays of speed at the Offshore Super Series National Championships. As the name implies, the Lake of the Ozarks takes center stage at the national level of this pulse pounding event. Approximately 50 of the fastest boats in the world will take to the water and compete for the National Championship title. These high powered performance boats can reach speeds of 200+ miles per hour. Even more impressive, is the fact that this is a tag team effort. The boat crew consists of a driver, who steers the state of the art craft through the 9 turn course. The driver practically reads the mind of the man in charge of the speed, the throttle man. The race events center around The Horny Toad entertainment complex, but spectators can watch the action from land or water. Designated areas will allow boats to drop anchor and watch the machines fly by in their quest for the title.

    The outdoors is still king during October with several apple festivals, a traditional Oktoberfest, a haunted hayride, and several golf tournaments, a poker run, and the Missouri Fall Handicap Trap Shoot in Linn Creek.

    The 29th Annual Old Tyme Apple Festival kicks off the first weekend of the month in Versailles. The Festival includes a car cruise and sock hop, a parade, a theater event, arts and crafts booths. Celebrate the Harvest in a family fun setting and enjoy some delicious food also.

    Boating enthusiasts revel during the 23rd Annual Fall Harbor Hop October 11th. Over 2000 players participated in this Poker Run in 2007. Bait and Bagel Marina (practically our next door neighbor) is one of the checkpoints in the second section of the run. Make sure and try one of their walking tacos while you are drawing your card! October 12th offers the Ride for Relief Benefit. This is a motorcycle ride around the Lake (approximately 125 miles) that benefit’s the American Red Cross.

    Break out the bass boat the third weekend in October for the 23rd Annual Missouri State Buddy Bass Championship. This fishing tournament is held at Deer Valley Park in Sunrise Beach.

    Missourians are very proud of their St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, and we also love our high school football. Several local schools have excellent programs and the Camdenton Lakers consider anything less than a State Title bid an “off season.” A great local rivalry is the Waynesville Tiger-Camdenton Lakers match up. This year's contest has the Lakers having home field advantage on Friday, October 17th at 7 pm. This game falls during week 8 of the season and promises to be a gridiron great.

    Take a ride through Laurie’s fairgrounds the fourth weekend on a tractor drawn wagon the 24th and 25th during the Haunted Hayride. Two fishing tournaments round out the weekend. The 14th Annual Fall Classic Buddy Bass Tournament is held at Alhonna Resort and the 18th Annual White Bass Tournament is held in Gravois Mills. The Ha Ha Haunt will be held at Ha Ha Tonka on Halloween.

    Nature lover’s delight in the autumn color splashes that decorate the Lake’s shoreline in brilliant red’s, golden hues of yellows, and a spectrum of oranges. Shermanstravel.com has rated The Lake Of The Ozarks as a Top 10 Fall Foliage Destination and late October is the peak of the season’s colorful display.

    November and December hold just as many activities and greats things to see and do and we will cover those in a future entry. We hope that you didn’t put your Atlantis Island Condominium keys away on September 2nd; you will need them year round!
     
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